Mary B. Markley

Mary B. Markley, aka BuBu, passed away March 11, 2013. Mary was born April 24, 1929 at the Buckwalter farm property, now a part of the Lancaster airport. Her parents were Elam and Iva Buckwalter. She grew up with her brothers and sisters, Lois Stehman and Pat Breidenstine and was predeceased by John, Robert, and Peg Woerner. Mary was married to John M. Markley for 62 years and had two children, John Markley and Mary Markley Maesch. Her family grew to include in-laws Michael Maesch and Kathi Markley. She was blessed with grandchildren, Sarah and Erik Maesch and Henry Franco.

Mary graduated from Manheim Township High School and attended Millersville State Teachers College. She enjoyed working at L. B. Herr’s Bookstore, Abe Reese’s law firm, and Southern Pipe Line Supply Company. After joyfully and energetically raising her two children, she began a fifteen-year career in retail banking at Commonwealth National Bank in 1972. She was proud to become one of the first female branch managers. She volunteered as a Girl Reserve Advisor at the YWCA and at the Lancaster General Hospital and Manheim Township Public Library. She worked hard to maintain a weight of at least 110 pounds to donate gallons of blood to the Lancaster General Hospital. For decades, she was elected to serve as Republican Committee Woman. Most recently, she played a part in the election of Steve Mentzer to Congress in Harrisburg. Mary was a fifty-five year member of Grace United Church of Christ.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a Memorial Service in The Morgan Center at the Manheim Township Library, 595 Granite Run Drive, Lancaster, PA 17601, on Friday, March 15, 2013 at 11:00 AM. Friends may greet the family on Friday at the library from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. Private interment at the convenience of the family.

Her family and friends will miss BuBu’s contagious smile, loving attention, boundless energy, and positive attitude. Contributions may be made in her honor to Manheim Township Public Library, 595 Granite Run Drive, Lancaster, PA 17601.

I was so saddened to read of your dear Mary’s passing. When I was a member at Grace, I didn’t get to know her well, but I always thought she was a gradious and elegant lady. May she be at peace and may you find comfort in the love and support of friends and family.

The house feels very different with out you here Bubu!! We all miss you and feel like you will pop out of the kitchen with a snack at many minute and just say, “oh I was moving laundry around and thought we could all use some cheese and crackers!”

I hope you are having some cheese, cracker and wine with your family and friends up in heaven 🙂 (save some wine for me 😉

Oz, we send our thoughts and prayers. Would you be able to come out to Pittsburgh for awhile? You and your children and grandchildren are in our thoughts. Since we arrived home, we have talked with Bob and Dick, and we all send our hugs and condolences. Bu was the best.